Such is the life of a Calgary Flames fan during the 2011–2012 season. And it’s no way to live. It’s depressing and, with the exception of five-game stretch where I considered naming my unborn child “Sven,” it’s uninspiring.

What’s next? I don’t know. I don’t think trading Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff is the answer. But I don’t think re-signing Olli Jokinen is either. We have six players (and over $10 million) about to walk away. Let them, and fill those spots with younger players. Will they be as good? Maybe not, but at least it’ll feel like there’s a goal beyond sneaking into eighth place and making like it’s 2004.

If you’re glad they went for it (instead of moving a guy like Jokinen at the deadline), I’m happy for you. But consider this: the only time this year that the Calgary Flames were .500 or better was when they were 0-0–0. What exactly was the “it” they were going for?

The truth is, this team absolutely achieved their goal this year. The problem is that they were aiming for mediocrity and hoping that would be good enough to limp into the post season. It wasn’t and like I said, it’s really no way to live.